Cataracts are the most common and widespread cause of age-related vision loss. The incidence increases progressively with age, reaching more than 80% of the population by age 80, with an earlier age of onset for people with conditions such as high myopia and diabetes. Cataracts occur in different locations and forms and affect each person’s vision differently. If a cataract is simply detected, regular observation or surgery can be chosen depending on how it affects one’s daily life. Some people’s vision is fine under proper lighting, but they feel hazy all the time, especially if their vision fluctuates significantly under different lighting, which means that the contrast sensitivity has been significantly affected. If you are still working or frequently going out for leisure activities or cycling and driving, the visual demands on both eyes are higher and you can consider surgery if your visual acuity or stereoscopic sensation in daily activities is significantly reduced, while elderly people who do not go out may not have much impact on their daily life with minor cataract vision above 0.5 or 0.6 and can choose regular observation. There is no proven effective drug treatment for cataracts. The main ways to prevent and slow down the development of cataracts are: quit smoking, pay attention to UV protection, control blood sugar, eat more foods with antioxidant effect and rich in multivitamins; you can try to wear glasses for short term temporary help to improve some of your vision. The only way to improve vision and quality of life is to undergo surgery at the right time. Ultrasound emulsification is a very mature and effective surgical procedure that aspirates the cloudy and aging lens and implants a high-definition IOL to allow many patients to regain clear and natural vision.
For people over the age of 50 who notice gradual changes in their visual function, they should first speak with their doctor to schedule an examination to expertly evaluate and document the eye for age-related lens and other coexisting ocular structural and functional problems. Based on the exclusion of fundus pathology, visit the ophthalmologist at least once every six months to a year for regular observation of progressive changes and assessment of the degree of lens cataract morphology. Each individual is different, even between two eyes, and the timing of treatment may vary as a result. After comprehensive observation and evaluation for high-risk patients, timely and appropriate cataract surgery can not only safely and effectively improve the contrast of visual function as early as possible, but more importantly, it can also deepen the eye space and effectively reduce the avoidance of induced glaucoma development. Patients with diabetic and other fundus pathologies should consider surgery in a timely manner if the cataract has affected the regular observation and treatment of the fundus.